In Less Than Two Weeks of Streaming, ‘The Good Husband’ Surpasses All Liberian Movies in History, Setting a New Standard for Homegrown Films.
Liberia’s film industry, affectionately known as Liberwood, is undergoing a renaissance, and it has never been more exciting. The latest film to captivate audiences is The Good Husband, which has shattered streaming records and left a lasting impression on local and international viewers. In just under two weeks, this cinematic masterpiece has surpassed all previous Liberian films, accumulating over 250,000 streams on YouTube. This achievement marks a new chapter in the history of Liberian storytelling and shows the incredible growth potential of the country’s entertainment industry.
The Rise of Liberian Cinema
Liberians have long been passionate about their homegrown talent, but only recently have local films received significant international attention. Over the years, movies like Balawala and Bendu Sudan paved the way for today’s filmmakers. Still, it wasn’t until Frank Artus’ Break of the Bush—which showcased Liberia’s rich traditions of Poro and Sande societies—that the global audience started to take notice. Garnering over 239,000 YouTube streams in seven months, Break of the Bush set a high bar for Liberian cinema and proved that online streaming was the future of the industry.
However, it’s The Good Husband, produced by KKL Productions, that has truly revolutionized how Liberians see and engage with their own stories. Released amid a whirlwind of online promotion, this film promised to change the narrative around Liberian relationships and family struggles, and it delivered on every front.
A Story That Resonates
Directed by the talented Korto Davis, The Good Husband tells a powerful, emotionally charged story of betrayal, forgiveness, and the everyday challenges that families face. It touches on themes familiar to many, both in Liberia and across the world, as it portrays the journey of Nelson (played by the versatile Anthony M. Fofana) as he forgives his wife Kemah (Ertamar Thompson) for her infidelity after being misled by her manipulative friend Meme (Wade Bedell) and her conniving boyfriend Ezy Pain (Jay U).
The film’s premiere, held simultaneously in Liberia and the United States, was a historic event in itself, drawing massive crowds and leaving viewers both in tears and awe. Many were left debating Nelson’s decision to forgive his wife, with some viewers praising his actions while others criticized him for being too lenient. This intense emotional reaction speaks to the movie’s authenticity and the power of its storytelling.
Shattering Records
What’s most remarkable about The Good Husband is its unprecedented success on the global stage. In less than 12 days, the movie surpassed the streaming numbers of any Liberian film to date, rapidly accumulating more than 247,000 streams and still climbing. This record-breaking performance has brought global recognition to Liberwood and proven that Liberian stories resonate far beyond the country’s borders.
At the heart of this film’s success is the meticulous work of Ansu Sirleaf, the Director of Photography (DOP) behind KKL Productions. His eye for detail and insistence on high-quality performances from the cast elevated the entire production. Sirleaf’s skillful lens captured the essence of the story from every angle, ensuring that no moment was wasted and that every shot was rich with emotion and purpose. His ability to collaborate with the director and lead the team through challenges was key to transforming this movie into a cinematic triumph.
The Future of Liberian Cinema
As The Good Husband continues to break new ground, the big question on everyone’s mind is: What comes next? Can another film top the remarkable success of this one, or has The Good Husband set the bar so high that it will remain untouchable for years to come?
One thing is certain—Liberia’s film industry is entering a golden age. With each production, Liberian filmmakers are proving that their stories matter and that they have the talent and vision to captivate audiences worldwide. As the world tunes in to Liberwood, the industry’s potential is limitless, and The Good Husband has cemented itself as a cultural milestone, showing that Liberia’s voice is stronger than ever on the global stage.
